Covid Commission: What it's investigating and the topics of Conte's hearing

Giuseppe Conte 's hearing on August 6, 2026, brought the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the management of the Covid emergency back into the spotlight . Here's what it is, what powers it has, what it asked of the former prime minister, and the main topics of the investigation.

What is the Covid Commission?

The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry was established by Parliament to reconstruct how the health emergency and the political, administrative, and organizational decisions were handled during the pandemic.

It is not a judicial commission: it does not issue sentences or determine criminal liability. However, it has broad investigative powers, similar to those of the judicial authority for the acquisition of documents and testimony.

The objective is to gather information: to understand what worked, what critical issues emerged, and what lessons can be learned for future emergencies. The work will be incorporated into a final report.

The powers and the method

The Commission can summon witnesses, acquire records and documents, and interview those involved in managing the emergency: institutional representatives, technicians, healthcare managers, and public administrators.

Chaired by Marco Lisei (Brothers of Italy), it is composed of parliamentarians from both the majority and opposition parties. The hearings are public and, like Conte's, often livestreamed.

The topics of Conte's hearing

Conte, who led the government from 2020 to early 2021, was questioned in his capacity as former prime minister. The hearing, which lasted about five hours, focused on several key issues.

Masks and the JC Electronics affair

The first topic addressed was the JC Electronics case : a supply of masks blocked by the commissioner, a case won by the company in the first instance (203 million) and a 100 million settlement signed by the government in October 2025.

Conte filed an anonymous ten-page report with the Rome Prosecutor's Office, warning the administrations against paying, and requesting clarification on the transaction. President Lisei clarified that the Commission cannot investigate events that occurred after the pandemic.

The choices of the most dramatic months

The former prime minister reconstructed the decisions of 2020: the state of emergency of January 31, the red zones, the national lockdown in March and the Prime Ministerial Decrees, defined as "a proven technique for balancing rights".

He defended the extension of the state of emergency as necessary "to activate the powers of the Civil Protection" and reaffirmed the vaccination plan launched "in the spirit of freedom of choice," attributing to the Draghi government the Green Pass and mandatory vaccination for those over 50.

The investigation's remaining open issues

In addition to Conte's hearing, the Commission is examining other aspects of the pandemic's management.

The relationship with the Technical-Scientific Committee

One of the strands concerns the impact of the CTS 's recommendations on political decisions: understanding in which cases the government followed scientific recommendations and in which it made further assessments, also considering the economic and social impacts.

Arcuri's commissioner structure

Also under scrutiny is the management of the commissioner's office headed by Domenico Arcuri , who coordinated the procurement of protective equipment, ventilators, and medical supplies. Some procedures have been the subject of controversy and judicial investigations.

Alzano Lombardo and Nembro

Among the most debated issues remains the failure to establish red zones in Alzano Lombardo and Nembro . The judiciary has already dismissed the case against Conte and other members of the government: the Tribunal of Ministers has ruled out criminal liability. The Commission is addressing the matter from a political-administrative perspective.

The final report

Conte's statements will be included in the Commission's documentary heritage and will contribute to the drafting of the final report, one of the most comprehensive institutional reconstructions of Italy's management of the pandemic.

The continuation of the hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 14. News of the day: Conte in the Covid Commission, what he said in 5 hours . The mask case: JC Electronics and the €100 million transaction.

FAQ

Can the Covid Commission convict anyone?

No. It is a fact-finding body of Parliament: it does not issue sentences or determine criminal liability. It has broad investigative powers and produces a final report.

Who chairs the Covid Commission?

Marco Lisei, of the Brothers of Italy.

When is Conte's next hearing?

Monday, September 14, 2026.

What are the main themes of the investigation?

The supply of masks, the use of Prime Ministerial Decrees (DPCM), the relationship with the CTS (Consultants for the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases), the management of Arcuri's commissionership, and the failure to establish red zones in Alzano Lombardo and Nembro.